Applebee's America

You just have to love the title of this book if nothing else. I just finished reading Applebee's America, How Successful Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Connect with the New American Community by Douglas B. Sosnik, Matthew J. Dowd and Ron Fournier.

This book is as much about business and politics as it is about church but it is still an important book for people who want to help the church thrive in the present and future. There is a quote in the very beginning from American social philosopher Erif Hoffer:

"In times of change, learners inherit the Earth, while the learned find themselves beautifully equipped to deal with a world that no longer exists."

I think that speaks directly to the future of the Christian Church which tends to not like change. However we must always be sorting out what should not change (the core message of the Gospel) from what can change, (the culturally relevant ways we connect people to the Gospel.)

Some leaders are somewhat afraid of entering into conversation with business and political leaders about issues related to church growth. We are right to remember the religion is not a business and it is not the same as politics. However, smart business people and political consultants are much more away of how the world is changing. If we can learn from them about how the world is changing, we can be better able to reach out to the world with the life-changing message of the Gospel.

Along those lines, the book is full of helpful information about how people communicate, how they are influenced and how businesses, churches and politicians are more effectively communicating shared values that draw people together.

The most wonderfully frightening aspect of this book is the details of how political campaigns are using "LifeTargeting." They are using the frightening amount of data that is available about all of us to more effectively target potential voters. It is all quite eye opening and really shows a glimpse of the possible future of American politics.

This book will be churning around in my head for a while.

peace,

will